NHS Wales – Full budget protection is the only answer
The only party committed to protecting the NHS budget in Wales has called on Welsh Labour to respond to Jeremy Corbyn’s criticism of health funding here.
Labour’s new socialist chief recently told a hall of supporters that ‘the Welsh NHS is clearly affected by funding’ (Cardiff’s Mercure Hotel, August 11th).
Last week his comments were followed by Plaid’s clear welcome for boosted UK government health funding – and the additional money it will bring to Wales. Following a Welsh Conservative lead, the party called for that ‘consequential’ to be earmarked for health.
Despite acknowledgements of clear financial failings within the Welsh NHS, neither party has committed to NHS budget protection. Indeed, Plaid has voted through Labour’s record-breaking budget cuts during the current Assembly term.
Wales is the only part of the UK where NHS spending is falling and Welsh Conservatives are the only party that can put that right.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said:
“Consistent Welsh Conservative calls for NHS budget protection – instead of Labour’s record-breaking cuts – have been proven correct.
“Overlong hospital waiting times, chaotic access to cancer drugs and poor ambulance response times are all the result of immense pressure on hard-working frontline staff.
“Even Labour’s new socialist chief has criticised health funding here and it’s time his party’s Welsh First Minister responded to that.
“While welcome, Plaid’s eventual decision to congratulate the UK government’s protection of health funding in England follows their own support for Labour’s record-breaking cuts in Wales.
“Wales is the only part of the UK where NHS spending is falling and we are the only party committed to putting that right and properly supporting patients and hard-working staff.”
